PIANISTS EARN INTERNATIONAL HONOURS

During the school break, Shrewsbury's talented young pianists took part in a series of high profile competitions in Thailand and abroad.

At the very start of the break, Sirima (In-In) Pholtape, Yuqiao Chen and Krittipas (Tarm) Kunkhongkaphan took part in the Young Artist Music Contest 2019 at Mahidol University. In-In took 3rd przie on the Piano Junior B (12 years) category, whilst Yuqiao and Tarm earned Excellent awards in their categories.

In-In at the Young Artist Music Contest 2019

Alongside Thunjira (Gene) Jutatreeraparp (6-8 years old category), Yuqiao (12-14 years old category) also impressed the judging panel at Mahidol University in the local qualifying round of the 20th Osaka International Music Competition. The pair earned their places in the Japan final which will take place in October.

Yuqiao was again amongst 6 Shrewsbury students to compete at the 2nd Hong Kong International Music Compeition in July. Yuqiao won First place in the recital category (Class B) and 4th place in the Open Class (under 35 years old). Tarm took second place in the recital lass A (10-11 years), Pornapas (Pam) Kijoran won 3rd place in the Senior Class (15-17 years), whilst sisters Nantha (Annie) and Thanita (Winnie) Sedtinwong won second prize in the Duet Elementary class.

Back in Bangkok, Tarm, Annie, Winnie and Gene were in action in the 1st Bangkok Classical Music Festival at Brighton International School. Gene won a platinum award in the under 8s, whilst Annie and Winnie won a Gold in the Duet Category. Annie also won further individual Golds in the Junior Class A and Russian Composer categories, whilst Alisa (Kate) Wichayachakorn won Gold in the U8 Class A category.

Tarm travelled to Korea to compete in the Busan Music Competition in August, earning a Distinction award in the intermediate (11years and under) category, whilst Amolnut (Purse) Vanichjakvong travelled even further to the American World Championships, earning several prizes.

Pam Kijoran earned perhaps the highest profile success of the whole summer. Competing in the 2nd Kawai ASEAN Piano Competition, Pam earned top prize in the Category C (16 and under category), as well as a substantial cash prize from Kawai, one of the world's most renowned instrument manufacturers. There was good news for Pam's brother Poom, who passed his Trinity Examination Board Advanced Diploma examination with distinction.

Irina Novikova, who supplied us with these amazing stories.